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Posted on by K E Bergeron Mechanical

When it comes to keeping your home cozy during chilly months, selecting the right heating system is pivotal. Among the various options available, heat pumps and furnaces stand out as popular choices. Both serve the same purpose of warming your home but operate differently. Deciding between a heat pump and a furnace involves understanding their functionalities, efficiency, and suitability for your specific needs.

Heat Pump: Embracing Efficiency and Versatility

How It Works:
A heat pump functions by transferring heat from one place to another. During winter, it extracts heat from the outdoor air (yes, even in cold climates) and pumps it indoors. In summer, it works in reverse, extracting heat from your home and releasing it outdoors to cool your living space.

Pros:

  1. Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are renowned for their energy efficiency, as they move heat rather than generate it, consuming less electricity.
  2. Dual Functionality: They serve as both heating and cooling systems, making them versatile for year-round use.
  3. Environmental Impact: Due to their energy efficiency, they are considered eco-friendly compared to traditional heating systems.

Cons:

  1. Effectiveness in Extreme Cold: In extremely low temperatures, the efficiency of a heat pump may decrease, requiring a backup heating source.
  2. Upfront Cost: Initial installation costs can be higher than some traditional heating systems.

Furnace: Dependable and Powerful

How It Works:
Furnaces generate heat by burning fuel (natural gas, oil, or propane) and distributing the warmed air throughout your home using a system of ducts.

Pros:

  1. Powerful Heat Output: Furnaces can quickly and effectively heat your home, making them ideal for cold climates.
  2. Consistent Performance: They can maintain a consistent level of warmth, regardless of outdoor temperatures.
  3. Lower Upfront Costs: Furnaces often have lower initial installation costs compared to heat pumps.

Cons:

  1. Higher Operational Costs: They tend to be less energy-efficient than heat pumps, leading to higher utility bills over time.
  2. Environmental Impact: Furnaces that run on fossil fuels contribute to carbon emissions and may not be as environmentally friendly as heat pumps.

Which Should You Choose?

Considerations:

  1. Climate: Heat pumps excel in moderate climates but may need a backup in colder regions, while furnaces are reliable in harsh winters.
  2. Energy Efficiency: If reducing energy consumption is a priority, a heat pump might be more suitable.
  3. Budget: Upfront costs and long-term operational expenses should align with your budgetary constraints.

 

In summary, the choice between a heat pump and a furnace depends on various factors, including your climate, budget, and environmental concerns. While heat pumps offer energy efficiency and versatility, furnaces provide powerful and consistent heating. Consulting with HVAC professionals can help tailor the choice to your specific needs, ensuring optimal comfort and efficiency for your home.

At K E Bergeron Mechanical Systems, we are here to assist you in making the best choice for your home’s heating needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our heating system installation and maintenance services.

Posted on by K E Bergeron Mechanical

Winter is a challenging time for HVAC systems as they have to work harder to keep your home warm and comfortable. To avoid any sudden breakdowns and costly repairs, it’s essential to maintain your HVAC system regularly. Here are some winter maintenance tips to keep your HVAC system running smoothly throughout the season.

1. Change Air Filters Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your HVAC system in winter is to change its air filters regularly. Dirty and clogged air filters can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder to heat your home. This can lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Change your air filters at least once a month to ensure proper airflow and maximum efficiency.

2. Inspect the Ductwork

The ductwork is an essential component of your HVAC system that distributes warm air throughout your home. Any leaks or gaps in the ductwork can cause warm air to escape, leading to uneven heating and increased energy consumption. Inspect your ductwork for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, holes, or loose connections. Seal any leaks or gaps with duct tape or mastic to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

3. Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system that controls the temperature and timing of the heating cycle. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your system to overheat or underheat, leading to discomfort and energy waste. Test your thermostat by setting it to a temperature higher than the current room temperature. If the furnace doesn’t turn on within a few minutes, it may indicate a faulty thermostat that needs to be repaired or replaced.

4. Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your HVAC system can accumulate debris, dirt, and snow during the winter season, hindering its performance and lifespan. Use a garden hose to clean the outdoor unit and remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the coils and fins. Make sure to turn off the power supply before cleaning the unit to avoid any electrical hazards.

5. Schedule Professional Maintenance

While these tips can help you maintain your HVAC system in winter, it’s always a good idea to schedule professional maintenance with a licensed HVAC contractor. A professional can perform a comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and tune-up of your system and identify any potential issues before they turn into major problems. This can save you money in the long run and ensure that your system operates at maximum efficiency and performance.

BERGERON MECHANICAL SYSTEMS IS HERE FOR YOU

Bottom line: maintaining your HVAC system in winter is crucial for its longevity, efficiency, and performance. Follow these tips to keep your system running smoothly throughout the season and avoid any costly repairs or breakdowns.

If you need professional help with your HVAC system this winter, contact Bergeron Mechanical Systems, a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor in Keene, NH. We offer a full range of heating and air conditioning services, including installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement, all designed to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient in winter and beyond.

Contact Bergeron Mechanical Systems online or give us a call at (603) 733-4594.

Posted on by K E Bergeron Mechanical

As a homeowner, it’s easy to overlook the little things that keep your HVAC system running smoothly. One of the most important of these is changing your air filters regularly. Here are some surprising benefits of this simple task:

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality

The primary purpose of air filters is to trap dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. Over time, these particles build up and reduce the quality of the air you breathe. Regularly changing your air filters can improve the indoor air quality in your home, helping to reduce allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

2. Increased Energy Efficiency

Dirty air filters can also cause your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to. When the airflow is restricted, your system has to use more energy to push air through the dirty filter. This can lead to higher energy bills and more wear and tear on your system. By changing your air filters regularly, you can help your HVAC system run more efficiently and save money on your energy bills.

3. Longer Lifespan for Your HVAC System

When your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through a dirty filter, it puts additional stress on the system. Over time, this can lead to breakdowns and other problems that require costly repairs. By changing your air filters regularly, you can help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you money in the long run.

4. Improved Overall Comfort

When your HVAC system is working at peak efficiency, it can maintain a more consistent temperature throughout your home. This means you’ll be more comfortable, regardless of the weather outside. By changing your air filters regularly, you can help ensure that your HVAC system is working as it should, improving your overall comfort.

5. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Finally, regularly changing your air filters can help reduce your carbon footprint. When your HVAC system is running efficiently, it uses less energy, which means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. By taking this simple step, you can do your part to protect the environment.

Maintenance for a Trouble-Free HVAC system

Our team has been trained and is committed to offering you ongoing, first-class maintenance service to ensure that your heat pump filters continue to operate as efficiently as they did when your system was initially installed. We recommend that the units be cleaned by one of our highly trained service technicians on a regular basis.

A professional and thorough cleaning is an essential step in maintaining your investment and providing you with many years of heating and cooling satisfaction.

We offer quarterly or twice annually preventative maintenance contracts. During your maintenance visit, our technicians will, as a minimum, perform the following tasks:

  • Visually check all accessible system components including control boards, wiring, motors, fans, and piping
  • Clean and disinfect all serviceable air filters
  • Check and clean condenser coils if needed
  • Check and clean evaporator coils if needed. We are the region’s first HVAC company to embrace the “coil jet” cleaning system, a system specifically designed for mini-split system cleaning
  • Run check heat pump system in heating or cooling depending on the season
  • Provide a detailed invoice with system condition report and any suggested service required

Our fall service includes the work listed above with the following additions:

  • Utilize “coil jet” ductless cleaning system to chemically clean each indoor evaporator coil as needed
  • Clean and disinfect evaporator drain pans as needed
  • Vacuum out and disinfect condensate drain lines where accessible

A WORD OF ADVICE

You depend on your HVAC system to keep you comfortable all year round. You wouldn’t drive your car for 30,000 miles without getting an oil change; you’d be asking for trouble. This analogy holds true for your heating and cooling system. Blocked condensers, dirty filters, coils and blowers, improperly functioning thermostats, leaks, power malfunctions – we’ve seen it all, and it’s not pretty.

Why is regular maintenance so essential?

  • Prevent costly breakdowns
  • Reduce your energy bills
  • Extend the life of your system significantly
  • Stay protected under warranty

HVAC equipment most often breaks down when the weather is extreme, and it has at times been challenging for us to handle the sudden demand. Since we know about the importance of regular maintenance on HVAC systems, we prioritize customers who take their system upkeep seriously. We are only able to guarantee prompt and prioritized service for customers with an active maintenance contract. Please rest assured that we are there for you 24/7 to field a system emergency if you can document regular maintenance (twice per year or more) by KEBMS LLC. If this documentation isn’t available, we will do our best to fit you into our schedule, but you may need to expect significant delays.

(Also, please note that we may not be able to service equipment not installed by K.E. Bergeron Mechanical Systems LLC.)

Rather than paying for individual maintenance visits and costly repairs, get a service contract for your heating and air-conditioning equipment. Contact us today to set up a maintenance plan.

We look forward to continuously providing you with the 5-star service you’ve come to expect from us. Do your part by looking after your HVAC system and give us a call at (603) 733-4594 or send us a message online.

Posted on by K E Bergeron Mechanical

In today’s world of smart technology, our homes are becoming more connected and convenient. One such innovation that’s transforming the way we control our indoor climate is the Wi-Fi thermostat. These smart devices offer numerous benefits that go beyond just adjusting your home’s temperature. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of installing a Wi-Fi thermostat and why it’s a worthwhile investment for your home.

Remote Access and Control

Perhaps the most significant benefit of a Wi-Fi thermostat is the ability to control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely through a smartphone app or a web interface. This feature allows you to adjust the temperature, set schedules, and monitor your HVAC system from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply lounging on the couch, you have full control at your fingertips.

Energy Efficiency

Wi-Fi thermostats can help you save on energy costs by allowing you to create customized heating and cooling schedules that match your lifestyle. You can set your thermostat to reduce energy consumption when you’re away or asleep and optimize comfort when you’re at home. Some models even offer energy-saving recommendations and reports to help you make more informed decisions about your HVAC usage.

Learning Capabilities

Many Wi-Fi thermostats come equipped with learning algorithms that adapt to your preferences and daily routines. Over time, these thermostats can automatically adjust temperature settings to maximize comfort and efficiency. They learn when you typically arrive home or go to bed and make adjustments accordingly, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Compatibility with Smart Home Ecosystems

Wi-Fi thermostats often integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices and ecosystems. You can connect them to voice-controlled assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, allowing you to adjust the temperature using voice commands. This interoperability enhances the overall convenience and automation of your home.

Real-Time Notifications and Alerts

Many Wi-Fi thermostats provide real-time notifications and alerts. They can notify you of extreme temperature changes, remind you to change air filters, or alert you if there are issues with your HVAC system. These alerts help you stay proactive in maintaining your home’s comfort and efficiency.

Historical Data and Insights

Wi-Fi thermostats often store historical data about your heating and cooling patterns. This information can be valuable for understanding your energy usage and identifying opportunities for further efficiency improvements. Some thermostats even provide reports and insights that help you track and manage your energy consumption.

Convenient Integration

Wi-Fi thermostats are designed to make your life more convenient. They offer features like geofencing, which can automatically adjust the temperature based on your proximity to home, ensuring a comfortable environment when you arrive. Additionally, you can control multiple thermostats in different zones of your home, providing precise climate control for every room.

CALL BERGERON MECHANICAL SYSTEMS TODAY

Installing a Wi-Fi thermostat in your home is a smart decision that offers numerous benefits, from enhanced convenience and energy efficiency to seamless integration with other smart devices. With remote control, learning capabilities, real-time notifications, and energy-saving features, these devices are not only convenient but also eco-friendly and cost-effective.

To upgrade your home’s climate control system with a Wi-Fi thermostat and enjoy a more comfortable, efficient, and connected living space, contact Bergeron Mechanical Systems today. Our skilled heating and AC technicians offer fast installation and provide cutting-edge options to suit your household’s specific comfort needs.

Click here to request an estimate online or give us a call at (603) 733-4594.

(603) 803-4276